Donations presented to families of fallen West Memphis officers

WEST MEMPHIS, AR (WMC-TV) - Less than one month after two West Memphis police officers were laid to rest, their families came together again Wednesday to receive a generous gift from the community.

Officers Brandon Paudert and Bill Evans were gunned down during a traffic stop in late May. Ninety minutes later, suspects Jerry and Joseph Kane were killed in a shootout in the parking lot of the West Memphis Walmart.

Wednesday, Brandon Paudert's widow, Kim, fought back tears as she and other family members accepted checks from fundraisers held last month for the officers' families.

"I don't know how you say thank you or express your gratitude enough," she said.

"This is a gift of the people of the Mid-South who gave dines and nickels and fives and tens and in some cases fifties and hundreds," said Action News 5 anchor Joe Birch.

The amount collected amounted to $150,000, and will be split evenly between the families.

"Where else would you find the tremendous outpouring of love and money from people? Most of them didn't even know these two fine young men," said West Memphis Mayor William Johnson.

The news conference became emotional when Kim Paudert spoke from her heart through an open letter to the community.

"As I write this letter I am in awe," she said. "I am in awe of the Lord and all of you who have supported my family during this tragedy. I am truly amazed honored and blown away by all of the cards letters and support you have given."

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.